BJP unlikely to secure majority in Lok Sabha polls: Akali Dal’s Naresh Gujral

New Delhi: Senior Akali Dal leader Naresh Gujral has said the BJP tally could go below the majority mark in the Lok Sabha polls.

The NDA member, however, felt the saffron party would manage to form the government with the support of existing allies. “It seems BJP will not be able to cross the half-way mark on its own this time,” Gujral told ETon Friday.

Asked why he thought the BJP will not able to match its 2014 performance Gujral said: “It is obvious. Mainly because of the electoral matrix in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh (where Congress won the recent assembly polls) as well as due to the coming together of SP and BSP in Uttar Pradesh in this elections.” Gujral said some sections in the BJP had similar views.


“Even BJP general secretary Ram Madhav has said his party would need allies to form the government at the Centre this time.” Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut too had recently said that BJP tally will be below the majority tally of 272 seats.

Gujral, however, expressed confidence of NDA forming the government again. “I am sure the BJP with existing NDA allies will form the government at the Centre.” When asked about the reports of Akali Dal facing electoral heat in Punjab, Gujral said his party would win an impressive tally. “The people of Punjab feel let down by Captain Amarinder Singh’s government not implementing the promised loan-waiver for farmers in letter and spirit. Equally, the state Congress government has also failed on delivering social welfare schemes,” Gujral alleged.